Pressed Italian Picnic Sandwich with Black Olive Tapenade

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine the mustard and vinegar. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, warm water and pepper to taste. Set the vinaigrette aside.

Slice the loaf of bread lengthwise and make a hollow (or canal in the middle of the bread) by removing some of the inside bread; reserve for another use or discard. Spread the olive paste on the bottom crust and add the red pepper strips. Crumble goat cheese over peppers and add artichokes. Drizzle half of the vinaigrette over the sandwich.

Arrange prosciutto and salami over artichokes and drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette. Scatter herbs over meats. Place the top crust on sandwich.

Wrap the sandwich tightly with plastic wrap. Place a large, heavy cast-iron skillet on top of sandwich for at least 1 hour to press. Slice sandwich into 10 portions and serve.

Black Olive Tapenade:
Blend olives, garlic, capers and anchovy in a food processor. Add the lemon juice and the 2 tablespoons olive oil and blend to a smooth paste.